During surgery to place the dental implant, the oral surgeon makes a cut to open the gums and expose the bone. Holes are made in the bone where the metal pin of the dental implant will be placed. Because the pin will serve as the root of the tooth, it implants deep into the bone. At this point, you will still have a gap where the tooth is missing. A temporary and partial type of denture can be placed for a better appearance if you need it. You can remove this denture for cleaning and while you sleep. George Pegios - Time to wait for bone growth Once the metal bolt of the implant is placed in the jaw, osseointegration begins. During this process, the jaw grows and joins the surface of the dental implant. This process, which can take several months, helps provide a solid foundation for the new artificial tooth, just as the roots of natural teeth do. George Pegios - Abutment placement When the osseointegration is complete, you may need additional surgery to place the abutment, the part where the crown is eventually attached.